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Updated and New ASCIA Information about Evidence-Based Versus Non Evidence-Based Allergy Tests and Treatments

Allergy is a science based medical speciality which relies on the use of ‘evidence-based’ allergy tests and treatments. This means that there needs to be published evidence that a test or treatment is reliable, based on studies of other patients with similar conditions.

Accurate diagnosis of allergic disorders requires an examination of the patient’s clinical history by a qualified medical practitioner, to determine whether allergy or another immune condition is likely to be the cause of symptoms, combined with reliable evidence-based allergy tests to confirm the diagnosis. Evidence-based treatments can then be prescribed and management strategies advised, based on the diagnosis.

ASCIA strongly recommends against the online allergy testing and non evidence-based, unproven allergy ‘tests’ and “treatments”, which can result in adverse outcomes, including:

  • Major dietary restrictions that can impair growth and cause malnutrition, particularly in young children.
  • Impact on employment and social functioning, due to unnecessary avoidance of foods. environmental allergens and chemicals.
  • Delayed access to more effective diagnostic tests and treatments, with lost productivity from inadequately controlled allergic disease.

ASCIA has developed the following information about Evidence-Based Versus Non Evidence-Based Allergy Tests and Treatments, to assist patients, consumers, carers and health professionals to choose evidence-based, proven allergy tests and treatments:

These documents replace the old ASCIA documents about “unorthodox” allergy tests and treatments. The word “unorthodox” has been retained in the documents to describe “unorthodox/alternative practitioners”, but tests and treatments are now referred to as “non-evidence-based” instead of “unorthodox”.

Further information about allergy testing is available on the ASCIA website:

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ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology and allergy in Australia and New Zealand
ASCIA promotes and advances the study and knowledge of allergy and other immune diseases

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